DURBAN – AmaZulu forward Ovidy Karuru is out to get the better of compatriot Marshall Munetsi of Orlando Pirates when they meet on Sunday at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi (3pm).
Karuru and Munetsi both hail from Zimbabwe and were together in Zambia during the Four Nations tournament.
This Absa Premiership humdinger between AmaZulu and Pirates is set to attract masses of KZN football lovers.
Both sides are oozing confidence and on missions to achieve different objectives. Usuthu want to enhance their chances of reaching the Top 8 while Pirates are bidding to resurrect their title hopes after their 0-0 stalemate against SuperSport United on Wednesday at the Mbombela Stadium.
Karuru is adamant his side can upset Pirates.
“I talk with Munetsi because we are team-mates and friends. But when we play against each other at club level it’s different.
“One thing I do know is that I don’t want to lose against him. Obviously, I’ll do my level best to help my team win the match.
“And I’m confident that we can pull off the victory against Pirates if we stick to the coach’s plan. If we keep on pushing the way we have been pushing, we will get the right result.”
Usuthu are 11th on the log while Pirates are second. But just three points separate Usuthu and Baroka FC who are eighth on the log. The Buccaneers, in turn, are three points behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
“We have each other’s number. I wish them the best because they are fighting for the league,” Karuru explained.
“We are also fighting for the Top 8 now. We are no longer worried about relegation. I really think we are safe.
“We are now pushing for the Top 8. It is achievable if we continue doing our best like we have been doing. If we push and fight as a team, we will achieve our goal come the end of the season.”
Usuthu have been menacing against the big guns this season, earning victories against Sundowns, Supersport United home and away and Bidvest Wits while drawing with Pirates and Chiefs.
“When you play big teams, that’s when you show the type of player you are. There’s where you show your quality,” Karuru said.
“Come (tomorrow) I’m sure everyone will be ready to show who exactly who they are. There are some players who are still young, and are out to prove their worth.”
Usuthu are on a three-match unbeaten run, after defeating Ajax Cape Town and drawing with Chiefs and Bloemfontein Celtic.
“We need to continue with our good run. We just have to keep on pushing hard,” Karuru said.
“When we play big games we always show up. We are always motivated to play against the likes of Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United.”